A teacher in Jefferson County, Missouri, is facing allegations of using inappropriate disciplinary measures against a student with autism. It is reported that the teacher resorted to using a spray bottle and even kicked a yoga ball at the student’s chest.
The incidents occurred from January 1, 2024, to April 25, 2024, as stated in the probable cause statement.
On May 21, 2024, the student’s mother reached out to the police to report the abuse her son was experiencing. She had previously informed the school about her son’s diagnosis of Autism and Global Mental Delay, which affects his ability to communicate verbally.
In a distressing turn of events, she informed the police that the school administration had reached out to her, sharing the alarming news that her son might have experienced abuse while at school.
According to a witness, Alyssa Tripp was seen using a spray water bottle to discipline the victim on multiple occasions between January and April of 2024.
According to her statement to the police, she witnessed Tripp becoming angry with the victim on April 25, 2024, because he was not working. This led to her forcefully holding down his fingers on the table while he was trying to reach for his tablet to communicate.
According to the witness, Tripp slapped the victim’s hands with a file folder while the victim was trying to get string during their work session. Additionally, Tripp physically stood on the victim’s feet, preventing them from getting up from the desk and leaving.
According to the police, it was reported that Tripp became agitated and kicked a yoga ball, which struck the student in the chest.